Megan Darian

The agenda for the teleconference meeting includes the call to order, declaration of conflicts of interest, review, discussion, and approval of the January 7, 2026, Open Session Minutes. Key discussion topics under Agency Operations involve the final status of the 2025 License Dispensing Opticians Renewal Period. The Board will also review and discuss applications for licensure for new Opticians and applications for reinstatement. Future meeting dates for 2026 are scheduled for discussion, followed by consideration of future agenda items and a call to the public.

The board meeting addressed the completion of the 2025 Dispensing Opticians Renewal Period, noting 95% completion, with the late renewal period running through January. A rule change regarding final rulemaking, posted on December 19, 2025, will become effective on February 1, 2026. The Board unanimously approved applications for License Opticians, including Amber Hanson, Hunter Bratrud, and Laura Nagaran-McCarthy. Additionally, Optical Establishment Licenses were unanimously approved for Eyekonic Optical (Tempe), Trendy Eyeshop (Tucson), and VUE (Cottonwood).

The meeting addressed several operational items. A consent agreement was reviewed and approved, resulting in the voluntary surrender and immediate termination of License Dispensing Optician Trenton Southard due to statutory violations. An update was provided regarding the 2025 License Dispensing Opticians Renewal Period, noting that 455 licenses have been renewed thus far. Furthermore, the Board discussed a recent fee increase approved by the Governor's Regulatory Review Council, effective February 1, 2026. Finally, the Board approved an application for a new License Optician.

The agenda for the teleconference meeting includes standard opening procedures such as Call to Order and Declaration of Conflicts of Interest. Key operational topics involve agency operations, which includes a discussion of the 2025 License Dispensing Opticians Renewal Period and a Rule Change, with the possibility of executive sessions for legal advice or confidential discussions. The Board will also review applications for licensure for Opticians and Optical Establishments, which may also involve executive sessions. Finally, the agenda covers scheduling future meeting dates and receiving public input before adjournment.

The Arizona State Board of Dispensing Opticians held a teleconference meeting to discuss agency operations, including the license renewal period for 2025 and a rule change regarding fee updates. The board reviewed applications for License Opticians and discussed possible unprofessional conduct regarding Trenton Southard. The board offered Trenton Southard to voluntarily surrender his license due to violations under Arizona Statute, with a stipulation not to attempt reinstatement.